In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, law enforcement urged the public to be more vigilant. But what should you be looking for? The Rhode Island Fusion Center put together these eight signs of terrorism that, if detected, could help prevent a tragedy.

This may include:

Surveillance

Someone recording or monitoring activities.

The use of cameras (either still or video)

Note taking

Drawing diagrams

Annotating on maps

Using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices

Elicitation

People or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities, or people.

Elicitation attempts may be made by mail, fax, telephone, or in person.

Tests of Security

Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.

Acquiring Supplies

Purchasing or stealing items such as:

Explosives

Weapons

Ammunition

Also includes acquiring:

Military uniforms

Decals

Flight manuals

Passes or badges (or the equipment to manufacture such items)

Any other controlled items.

Suspicious Persons Out of Place

People who don’t seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment, or anywhere else.

Includes suspicious border crossings and stowaways aboard ship or people jumping ship into port.

Dry Run/Trial Run

Putting people into position and moving them according to their plan without actually committing the terrorist act. This is especially true when planning a kidnapping, but it can also pertain to bombings.

An element of this activity could also include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

Deploying Assets

People and supplies getting into position to commit the act.

This is a person’s last chance to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.

Funding

Suspicious transactions involving large payments, deposits or withdrawals are common signs of terrorist funding.

Collections for donations, the solicitation for money and criminal activity are also warning signs.

The below video from the RI Fusion Center further details the eight warning signs of terror

If You See Something, Say Something

If you are witnessing activity that may require police, fire, or medical response, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

NEVER attempt to make contact with, pursue or in any other way interfere with an individual or group of individuals whom you think are acting suspiciously.

If you have witnessed suspicious activity that did not pose an immediate threat: